Name: Ewa-Marine U-BZ 100 Underwater Housing for Digital SLR Cameras
Brand: Ewa-Marine
SKU: EWUBZ100
Price: 399.00 USD
Availability: Discontinued
Rating: 3 (1 reviews)

Ewa-Marine U-BZ 100 Underwater Housing for Digital SLR Cameras

Ewa-Marine UBZ100 Underwater Housing for SLR Cameras

Ewa-Marine

Adorama

Photography

Underwater Photography

Underwater Camera Housings

Camera Housings

Ewa-Marine Camera Housings

Ewa-Marine UBZ100 Underwater Housing for...

Buy: Ewa-Marine U-BZ 100 Underwater Housing for Digital SLR Cameras Buy now & save $30. Compatibility: Universal

It has a wider frontglass and allows in combination with the C-A 77 adapter (supplied with the housing) and C-A 82 adapter the use of lenses with a filter thread of 77 and 82mm. This means you can use your professional digital SLR camera like the Nikon D1, D2H, D2x, D200 and similar cameras, with most of the professional zoom lenses currently on the market. The fact that the U-BZ 100 can be used with up to 300m lenses, makes it speciffically interesting for canoeists and other out door photographers that want to take pictures of birds and other wild life while in or on the water. Lenses with a smaller filterdiameter can also be used in this housing as long as they have an internal focus. You just need the right step-up ring. The autofocus adapter (AV110) is not included in delivery as it is not needed for this housing. If the optional BF1 lead weight is inserted into the housing, underneath the camera, it becomes even easier to reach the maximum depth of 20 m / 60 ft. Experienced photographers have confirmed, that the auto focus continue to function perfectly. As you descend, the air is pressed into the camera. Due to this, the pressure inside the housing will remain the same as the surrounding water pressure. Due to this, suitable amount of air have been started to be dived inside the housing. The foam pads supplied with the housing are part of this air "reservoir" and additional air should also be blown into the housing, via the valve at the rear, to ensure that the maximum potential volume is being utilised. The U-BZ 100 housing is manufactured from double laminated PVC and has an integrated, optically neutral flat glass port. You can also use the internal flash. It has a pair of non-corrosive and seawater resistant clamping rails which fit together for perfect sealing. They tighten by means of three screw knobs.

I've used this in a swimming pool, in the ocean, and in a lake. It keeps the camera dry and is easy to seal. I've used it underwater and while standing in the ocean for a little extra protection from waves and such. For the price, it is a great alternative when compared to traditional housings that are designed around each camera model.

The PVC is thick enough to feel like quality material, but it isn't easy to operate the camera. I have trouble seating my 5D in the housing properly, and have to adjust it periodically to keep the viewfinder lined up with the viewing port in the housing. I find it easier to place the camera inside the housing after removing the neck strap, but it still shifts position while inside the housing.
Pressing the shutter requires a lot of practice before you can do it without looking at the camera. There is little room for error in finger placement. This case has a specially molded section for your finger to press the shutter, but I don't know if it helps since this is the first housing I've used.
You can zoom the lens, but it takes a few seconds to do so.
I have no trouble pushing the buttons on the back of the camera, but my 5D has a scroll wheel that is difficult to turn when inside the housing.

For someone on a budget looking to take underwater pictures with their SLR, this is a viable option. The shortcomings mentioned are a bit of a nuisance, but I was still able to capture great pictures with a bit of practice. I would recommend this unless if it is all you can afford. I'm sure the expensive, custom made housings are much easier to operate.

Also, you don't need to buy the step up rings sold by the manufacturer. I bought a 67mm to 77mm step up adapter for $7 online so I could use my 70-200 with the included C-A 77 adapter and it worked fine.